The Coffin Trail A Lake District Mystery by
Martin Edwards
hbk out July 04
Published by Allison Busby
at £10.99
The first in what is likely to turn out to be a hugely popular new series for Edwards.
Set in the Lake District, the reader is transported there by a skilful writer who
conveys a sense of place perfectly and tells a story of a murder mystery which
intrigues from the start.
Daniel Kind, historian, on a visit to the area with his partner Miranda,
comes to the place which has always been in his mind since his childhood holidays
there.. They drive along winding lanes and then, over the brow of a hill, a valley
comes into view. Down a narrow track, and ,as if ordered by Fate , there is a sign
saying For Sale, Tarn Cottage, the house where his childhood friend Barrie had lived,
who, years later, had been the main suspect in a terrible murder but who had fallen to
his death before he could be charged with the crime. There never was a trial. And
Daniel cannot believe that his friend really was guilty.
The couple buy the cottage and move there to live. And now, again as if
by the hand of Fate, the police launch a review of unsolved cases in the area and
Daniel wants desperately to find out the truth about what really happened when that
woman was brutally murdered and was discovered lying on the Sacrifice Stone of the
ancient pagan site up there on the fell. Daniel becomes closely involved with the
police and their investigations.
The story is a good one, written in the author's usual clear style
with characters well drawn and convincing. DC Hannah Scarlett will no doubt draw
a loyal following of readers in the future. One or two very credible red herrings will
lead most of those who like a puzzle to eventually gasp with surprise as the murderer
is finally identified. A very enjoyable and entertaining read.
The Coffin Trail A Lake District Mystery by
Martin Edwards
